courtesy photo from vtfishandwildlife.com
MARSHFIELD-WOODBURY – Hikers and rock climbers can return to Marshfield Mountain in Marshfield, and Nichols Ledge in Woodbury, now that peregrine falcon nesting season has ended. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Audubon Vermont have confirmed that the majority of young falcons have learned to fly and should not be disturbed by human presence on the cliffs.
According to Audubon biologist Margaret Fowle, who coordinates the monitoring effort on behalf of the Fish and Wildlife Department, biologists and volunteers monitored peregrine pairs that occupied at least 40 Vermont cliffs in early spring and summer.
“The young peregrines have fledged, and many of Vermont’s falcons had another successful year,” she said, “The success is due to a combination of factors, including good weather and cooperation from hikers and rock climbers who observe a respectful distance from the nests during this critical period.”
